COLUMN: O'Brien gave Penn State something to 'Billieve' in

Saturday

Dec 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM

By Ben Destefan

Turns out, he was the right man for the job.

Back in January, Bill O'Brien walked into a firestorm never before seen in American sports, taking over a program many later left for dead following the unprecedented sanctions handed down by the NCAA in wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

He was dealt an unfair hand from the beginning, having his hiring questioned by distinguished alumni to standout players transferring away from the poisonous aura that had swallowed Penn State.

The four-year bowl ban and loss of scholarships only added fuel to the growing blaze, leaving the future looking as bleak as the present for a man taking on his first head coaching job.

Yet, here was a guy fresh off a Super Bowl appearance as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots with Tom Brady as his quarterback coming to a university being chastised around the country.

Not to mention, trying to replace a coach many still consider legendary in the late Joe Paterno.

There was nothing joyous about Happy Valley, only swirling controversy and the upheaval of tradition.

The prestigious image of a program built upon the slogan 'success with honor' was replaced by a permanent stigma that will undoubtedly live on forever.

Penn State, as we once knew it, had crashed and burned.

Enter O'Brien, and Penn State's rise from the ashes.

In less than one year, O'Brien gave State College something to 'Billieve' in.

For anyone that took a look around Beaver Stadium this season, Penn State's new slogan wasn't hard to find.

Nor was O'Brien's unwavering leadership, shouldering the effort of moving a university forward while putting a winning product on the field.

Following a 0-2 start, the Nittany Lions won eight of their final 10 games, finishing 8-4 overall in a season few predicted would sniff .500.

Had the NCAA sanctions not been in place, Penn State would likely be headed to a bowl game on New Year's Day, finishing tied with Michigan for the third-best record in the Big Ten Conference.

Despite being ruled ineligible for the postseason, O'Brien and his team's perseverance certainly were not overlooked, with the 2012 Nittany Lions being enshrined on Beaver Stadium's Ring of Honor prior to last week's finale against Wisconsin, recognizing the greatest PSU teams in the program's history.

O'Brien was also named Big Ten Coach of the Year, as voted on by fellow conference coaches and members of the media.

Accolades aside, O'Brien's impact affected a much bigger picture.

His commitment, demeanor and knowledge of the game were exactly what Penn State had to have.

He never shied away from the challenge, but instead, embraced it.

He had nothing to do with the circumstances in place, yet he never used them as an excuse.

His up-tempo, pro-style offense is something the Nittany Lions have needed for years, transforming a criticized Matt McGloin into a legitimate quarterback.

He had names put on the jerseys for the first time ever, making sure his players were acknowledged for their loyalty.

He respected the tradition that was, but left little debate that a new era of football has begun in State College.

And, perhaps most importantly, O'Brien's belief in Penn State has given Happy Valley a reason to 'Billieve' moving forward.

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